Mathew Maye, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry recipient of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers

Mathew Maye, a chemist in Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences, is one of 100 scientists named as recipient of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on young professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. Recipients will receive their awards during a White House ceremony in the fall.

“These extraordinarily gifted young scientists and engineers represent the best in our country,” President Obama said in the White House announcement of the awards. “With their talent, creativity and dedication, I am confident they will lead their fields in new breakthroughs and discoveries and help us use science and technology to lift up our nation and our world.”

Maye, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, is the first SU scientist to receive this prestigious award, which will support his research in synthesizing nanomaterials in ways that mimic natural processes found in the body. The nanomaterials are made of metals and are only a few billionths of a meter in size. The knowledge that is gained through the research will facilitate advances in a number of areas, including energy, health care and biosensors.

Brookhaven National Laboratory

The tiny, nanoscale materials – quantum dots – Mathew Maye and his research team create in his Syracuse University chemistry laboratory could potentially make an important contribution to the nation’s ongoing quest to become energy independent.

Detailed analyses of quantum dots require expensive, sophisticated instruments that are not available at most universities, including SU. However, a new agreement between Syracuse University and Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) will enable Maye and other SU faculty and students to use Brookhaven’s state-of-the-art research facilities. The agreement also encourages SU and Brookhaven scientists and engineers to explore opportunities for collaborative research in the fields of energy technology development, environmental sciences, biomaterials, forensic science, engineering and computer science, the biological sciences, and policy.

“The agreement with Brookhaven-the first such collaborative relationship in Central New York-will open up new opportunities for interdisciplinary research for our faculty as well as expanded educational and research opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students,” says SU Vice Chancellor and Provost Eric F. Spina. “We are excited about the possibilities and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Brookhaven scientists and engineers.”